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February 11, 2016

Year of Yes

"I would have been eloquent and delightful—no one can decline an invitation as beautifully as I can." ~ pg. 16

Are you in the mood for a nonfiction, memoir-type of book that is funny with a message? Are you the friend in your circle that always declines invitations? Are you low-key an introvert? While you are thinking about your answers to these questions, let me tell you about the book I just read.

The creator of #TGIT (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, Private Practice& executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder) reveals how saying 'yes' for a year changed her life. Yes, I am talking about the talented Shonda Rhimes. Her days are full with three hit television shows and three children to raise. If anyone has a legit excuse to say 'no' it would be her. But when her older sister Delorse muttered six words under her breath on Thanksgiving of 2013, it sparked Shonda to challenge herself.

"You never say yes to anything."

So began Shonda's Year of Yes project. For one full year, she committed to saying 'yes' to every public invitation (live appearances, speeches, parties, etc.) and every private matter (like taking her health seriously). In the Year of Yes, Shonda details her fears and how she stopped the habit of saying 'no' all the time. Written like a friendly conversation with a girlfriend, Year of Yes really does tell readers how to Dance it Out and Stand in the Sun.

When I say this book was right on time and so well written? Listen. I recommend it to all bookhearts. Not only because the woman responsible for your Thursday night television entertainment is the author. Not only because the "Year of Yes" concept is a great idea more than a few of us should commit to. Not only because it is a book you can tick off on your 2016 reading challenges. Read it because you answered 'yes' to one or more of my questions above. Read it because you respect and follow my book recommendations and I will not steer you wrong.

So before you settle in with your favorite red wine, download/borrow/buy Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person.